20 men aged between 35 and 65 with a waist measurement of 100 cm (or more) and/or a body mass index above 28 took part in this joint project stage by the German Cancer Support organisation and Bayer 04.
The success of the whole group says volumes about the project: Some participants achieved large reductions in body weight. The change is not only evident on the scales or in the waist measurement but also in the improved lifestyle, increased fitness and healthy diet. "A big compliment to the trainers who carefully introduced the participants to sporting activities," said Meinolf Sprink looking back at the weekly sports sessions run by Christoph Binot, Kai Braun, Dirk Diekmann and Frank Linde.
The course is now over but the group will continue to meet. "FFIT has shown how a club can help build a sense of togetherness in such a great way amongst the fans taking part, which also leads to high personal achievements," said Sprink. The group will continue to meet in the future on a regular basis to play football and they will continue to enjoy the support of Bayer 04.
Other courses are planned both for overweight men and also, for the first time, for female Bayer 04 fans.
Related News
Bayer 04 - 24.05.2026
2025/26 season review, part I: Upheaval, change, euphoria
Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
Show more
Women - 22.05.2026
Seventh new arrival: Bayer 04 sign centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein from Frankfurt
The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more
Women - 21.05.2026
Bayer 04 sign midfielder Paulina Platner from Essen
Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 19.05.2026
Vote now for Terrier’s dream goal in the derby to be the 2025/26 Bundesliga Goal of the Season!
The German Football League (DFL) has shortlisted Martin Terrier’s scorpion kick goal against 1. FC Köln for the 2025/26 Bundesliga Goal of the Season. Bayer 04 fans can vote for their favourite goal via the Bundesliga app from now until Monday 25 May (23:59 CEST).
Show more
Bayer 04 - 19.05.2026
A home for young elite athletes: The Talent House in Leverkusen
Bayer 04 will be preparing young talents for a potential sporting career in an even more systematic way in future. The club is breaking new ground to help develop their academic, social and personal skills as well. With the ‘Haus der Talente' or 'Talent House’, Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH is creating a new centre for the development of young athletes in a central location in Leverkusen. Once completed – expected to be in the summer of 2027 – the project will be run in partnership with TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen e.V.
Show more
